Managing a small business is no easy job. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, perseverance, and sacrifice. There are days when it seems that everything goes wrong, and you might need a little encouragement. To give small business owners everywhere a little inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite quotes from business leaders and athletes to motivate you even when it seems the deck is stacked against you.

Inspirational Quotes:

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game’s winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that’s why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer.

“The secret to successful hiring is this: look for the people who want to change the world.” – Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce.

“When you innovate, you’ve got to be prepared for people telling you that you are nuts.” – Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle.

“You don’t need to have a 100-person company to develop that idea.” – Larry Page, co-founder of Google.

“The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be.” – Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn.

“Even if you don’t have the perfect idea to begin with, you can likely adapt.” – Victoria Ransom, co-founder of Wildfire Interactive.

“Trying to do it all and expecting that it all can be done exactly right is a recipe for disappointment. Perfection is the enemy.” – Sheryl Sandberg, CEO of Facebook.

“Just because you are CEO, don’t think you have landed. You must continually increase your learning, the way you think, and the way you approach the organization. I’ve never forgotten that.” – Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo.

“Every problem is a gift – without problems, we would not grow.” – Anthony Robbins, motivational speaker and writer.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company.

“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” –Sam Walton, founder of Walmart and Sam’s Club.

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer.